Roller Shutter Closing Element with Transverse Socket Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shutter systems are laborious to install and maintain, requiring complete removal of the movable sheet for replacing or upgrading closing elements, and they often leave open spaces that compromise security and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A closing element for roller shutters featuring a central portion with transversely accessible connecting portions that allow easy engagement and disengagement of connecting bars, enabling quick installation, maintenance, and adaptation of the movable sheet with modular closing elements and stiffening elements for enhanced security and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional closing elements with closed sockets are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation and maintenance become laborious requiring complete removal of the movable sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is segmented into a central portion and connecting portions with sockets that can be independently accessed. The socket is divided into a closed portion (for structural integrity) and an open portion (for easy access), allowing segmentation of the assembly process without compromising the whole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket's open portion is extracted as a separate accessible feature from the closed socket structure. This allows the connecting bar to be inserted and removed through the open portion without requiring removal of the entire closing element or movable sheet, effectively extracting the assembly/d disassembly function from the global system level to the local component level.
2Strength
If traditional closed sockets are used, then structural strength is maintained, but access for connecting bars becomes difficult requiring complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with different qualities in different locations: the closed portion maintains structural strength and rigidity, while the open portion provides easy access for connecting bars. This local differentiation of quality allows simultaneous achievement of strength and ease of operation without compromising either property.
3Reliability
If complete removal of movable sheet is required for maintenance, then structural integrity is preserved, but maintenance time and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ability to access and remove connecting bars is extracted from the global disassembly process. The open portion of the socket allows connecting bars to be removed locally without requiring removal of the entire movable sheet, thereby extracting the maintenance operation from the time-consuming global disassembly process.
4Ease of manufacture
If open mesh structure is used, then aesthetics and visibility are improved, but security is compromised due to open spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is designed as a universal component that can function in multiple configurations. The central portion can be configured as either transparent (for aesthetics and visibility) or opaque/plate-like (for security), while the connecting portions with open sockets maintain the same structural function. This multi-functionality allows the same basic structure to serve both aesthetic and security requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a closing element (1) for roller shutters comprising a central portion (3) designed to be arranged, in use, according to a closing plane of an access opening of a room to at least partly close the access opening, and at least two connecting portions (2a, 2b) located on opposite edges (5a, 5b) of the central portion (3), each of which designed for connection of the closing element (1) with at least one other closing element (1). Each connecting portion (2a, 2b) extends about a respective axis (Xa, Xb) and defines a cavity (4) for housing a connecting bar (101). The connecting portion (2a, 2b) has an open profile so that the cavity (4) is accessible transversely to the axis (Xa, Xb).